Budgies abandoned at side of road

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after several budgies in poor condition were abandoned at the side of an Aberdeenshire road.

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 5, when a man driving along the A98 near Banff spotted the birds loose next to the road.

The eight budgies which were rescued are now in the care of the Scottish SPCA’s Aberdeenshire Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Drumoak.

Animal rescue officer Helen Sheen said: “As the budgies weren’t contained we can’t be sure how many were actually abandoned.

“We believe it’s possible there were more than eight birds and some have flown away.

“Thankfully the man who saw the budgies pulled over and with the help of his daughter was able to safely contain eight of them in a picnic basket until I arrived.

“Unfortunately all the birds are in rather poor condition as they are underweight and suffering from varying degrees of respiratory infections.

“We are appealing to anyone with information about this incident to contact our animal helpline on 03000 999 999. Anyone who spots a stray budgie in the area should also try to contain the bird before calling us for assistance.”